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Portuguese

LanguagePod101 — All Languages, Pod101 and Class101

Updated November 20, 2023

If you want a language learning podcast that consistently adds new content to keep you motivated, you will find the “Pod101” and “Class101” series quite useful.

One great thing about LanguagePod101 programs is that they do publish new content ALL THE TIME. And their pricing structure allows language learners of any mastery and commitment levels to find contents that are useful. The pricing starts at a mere few dollars per month, and the top subscription called Premium PLUS gives learners personal feedback and a personalized program to follow.

Visit Language Learning Programs in the LanguagePod101 Series

Click the icon to visit the site for the language you want. Purchase or just check it out. Happy Learning!

You can also read ALR independent reviews for each language’s program in the following section.

LanguagePod101 — All Languages, Pod101 and Class101 Read More »

Babbel Review Portuguese

Babbel Portuguese Review: Budget Friendly and Solid Program for Brazilian Portuguese

Babbel Portuguese

Rating 4.2

Summary

Babbel is an online language-learning platform with over 1 million active users. The Babbel Portuguese app aims to get learners to a conversational level as quickly as possible through the use of a variety of exercises and spaced repetition for review. The courses are well put together and relatively inexpensive.


Quality 4.5

It’s well-designed and the content is immediately useful.

Thoroughness 4.0

The material provided is effective and covers a lot, but isn’t ideal for advanced levels.

Value 4.0

The price is relatively low for what’s offered, but you’ll have to purchase each language separately.

I Like
  • The content is practical for real-life use
  • It’s easy to use
  • The lessons are fairly short
I Don’t Like
  • The exercises can get repetitive
  • The review exercises don’t include grammar concepts
  • Speech recognition isn’t the best way to learn pronunciation
Price

Babbel uses a recurring subscription model and offers a 20-day money-back guarantee. Price per month depends on the length of the subscription and only includes access to one language.

Monthly – $14.95/mo Every 3 Months – $12.65/mo Every 6 Months – $11.15/mo Every year – $7.45/mo

The prices listed here are for customers in the United States; they otherwise vary by region.

Babbel Spring Sale! Get 60% off on Babbel subscriptions. See details on the website. Offer ends on 3/17/24.

Babbel Portuguese Overview

Babbel is an online language learning platform that offers courses in various languages, including Portuguese. With over 10 million users worldwide, Babbel is known for its interactive and practical approach to language learning.

It is important to note that Babbel specifically teaches Brazilian Portuguese, which is the most widely spoken variant of the language. The course focuses on both spoken and written Portuguese, covering vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and conversation skills.

Babbel Portuguese Review: Budget Friendly and Solid Program for Brazilian Portuguese Read More »

Rosetta Stone Review Portuguese

Rosetta Stone Portuguese Review: Decent Vocabulary Builder, But No Grammar

Rosetta Stone Portuguese

Rating 3.2

Summary

Rosetta Stone Portuguese is one of the most well-known resources for learning Portuguese languages. It takes an immersive approach to teaching and is widely used by corporations and individuals alike. High levels of repetition and an absence of translations or explanations are hallmarks of the course. Rosetta Stone course could be most suitable for learners that don’t mind repetitive exercises and prefer to learn from pictures and context rather than translations and explanations.


Quality 3.0

The platform is a bit clunky on desktop, but the material is accurate and presented clearly; lesson mechanics are fairly intuitive.

Thoroughness 3.0

Without much opportunity to build your own sentences, I don’t think you’ll reach a conversational level with any notable speed.

Value 3.5

Rosetta Stone’s Lifetime Subscription ($199 on sale) is quite attractive if you like the Rosetta Stone Method. Shorter subscriptions are quite reasonable, too.

I Like
  • Lessons progress naturally and logically.
  • Fun way to learn vocabulary.
  • Direct speaking software for pronunciation.
I Don’t Like
  • Only offers Brazilian Portuguese
  • Full-immersion approach makes learning grammar difficult
  • High price tag – unless you like the Rosetta Stone Method and buy the Lifetime Access
Price

A three-month subscription to one language is $35.97, which works out to be $11.99/month.
A year-long subscription to one course is $95.88, which is $7.99/month. Both of these subscriptions are automatically recurring.
Lifetime access to all Rosetta Stone language courses is available for $199.

ALR Readers Exclusive Holiday Deal!! Get the Lifetime Subscription for 25 languages for $179 (everywhere else it’s $199 right now!). See details on the website.

For over thirty years, Rosetta Stone has remained one of the best-known language-learning programs out there. Rosetta Stone’s Portuguese course promises to give you the language tools you need to feel confident speaking Portuguese in a real-life context. 

The course operates via both an app and an online version. In years past, Rosetta Stone used outdated technology like CDs. The modern version allows you 24/7 access to the course, and the price has also reduced a lot in recent years.

One of the things that sets Rosetta Stone apart from other programs is that it takes a full immersion approach and does not use any English to teach concepts. Let’s review Rosetta Stone Portuguese to find out if this approach can help you gain fluency in Portuguese!

Pros and cons of Rosetta Stone Portuguese

Pros of Rosetta Stone Portuguese:

  • Direct speaking software for pronunciation
  • Fun way to learn vocabulary

Cons of Rosetta Stone Portuguese:

  • Only offers Brazilian Portuguese
  • Full immersion approach makes learning grammar difficult
  • High price tag – unless you like the Rosetta Stone Method and buy the Lifetime Access

Things to Consider Before Buying Rosetta Stone Portuguese

The hardest things about learning Portuguese for a native English speaker are often Portuguese grammar, Portuguese dialects, and nasal vowel sounds. 

Because Portuguese grammar is more complex in many ways than English grammar, you may struggle unless you use a great language-learning program that breaks down the complexities into simple, understandable lessons.

Another challenge you face in learning Portuguese is that the language sounds different in different parts of the world. European and Brazilian Portuguese are so different that they are considered different dialects. It is easier to learn Brazilian Portuguese, but this may not help you if you plan to visit Lisbon!

Finally, Portuguese uses linguistic sounds that English does not, like nasal vowels. You can learn how to shape these sounds with your mouth, but training your ear to recognize them in the informal rush of native Portuguese conversation takes even more practice.

Because of this, the best language-learning program to teach Portuguese should feature excellent grammar explanations, listening comprehension activities, and pronunciation practice.

Features Rosetta Stone’s Portuguese Course

Before you decide if Rosetta Stone Portuguese can provide the tools you need to learn the language, take a look at the key features in the course.

Matching Structure

Rosetta Stone lessons use a flashcard-like structure where you see, hear, or read a word or phrase, and match it to the corresponding image or word. In theory, this helps you learn the language the way a child learns her native language, by correlating images and sounds with words.

The matching structure works fairly well for languages with many similarities to English, like Portuguese. But because the program does not use any English, you will not receive explanations about the grammar behind the words and phrases you memorize.

Total Immersion

Rosetta Stone does not use any English to teach Portuguese in its course. Instead, you use matching games and a gradual progression of vocabulary and ideas to learn. 

Because of this, it lacks context. You will not learn the rules of how complex conjugations work, but you also will not learn about Brazilian vs Portuguese dialects.

TruAccent Speech Recognition Software

The Rosetta Stone Portuguese course includes speaking practice where you say a word or phrase into a microphone, and the program tells you if you used the correct pronunciation. 

This great feature encourages beginner language-learnings to break out of their shell and say new words out loud. This may seem simple, but it is a big step! For a beginner, feedback on your first new words via the TruAccent software can boost your confidence and your vocabulary.

Pricing for Rosetta Stone Portuguese

You can purchase access to Rosetta Stone Portuguese via a subscription or a one-time purchase price. 

  • For a three-month subscription, you pay $11.99 per month
  • For a 12-month subscription, you pay 7.99 per month
  • For a lifetime subscription to all 25 languages offered by Rosetta Stone, you pay a one-time price of $179

If you decide that Rosetta Stone Portuguese works for you, click here to purchase your subscription.

Alternatives to Rosetta Stone Portuguese

Rosetta Stone Portuguese provides a good introduction to vocabulary and pronunciation for a total beginner. But if you want a deeper dive, you may want to consider alternatives.

Pimsleur Portuegese App

Pimsleur’s app uses Spaced Repetition Theory to help you store new words and concepts in your permanent memory. This program offers both speaking practice and grammar explanations in English.

  • Pimseur’s app-based Portuguese course has a $19.95/month subscription
  • Offers both a European and a Brazilian Portuguese course
  • Provides both active listening and speaking practice

If you want a structured, in-depth look at Portuguese including a focus on grammar, check out Pimsluer’s Portuguese app here!

StoryLearning: Portuguese Uncovered

The StoryLearning method uses an ongoing narrative to engage you in context-based language learning. After listening to a chapter of the story, you dive into lessons taught in English to explain grammar, reading, and writing.

  • Portuguese Uncovered has a one-time price of $297, with a free seven-day trial
  • Offers beginner and intermediate Brazilian Portuguese
  • Includes lessons on culture

If you learn best by listening, you may want to try StoryLearning’s Portuguese Uncovered course. Click here to check out the seven-day free trial!

Conclusion

Portuguese has complex grammar and different vowel sounds than English, so the best language program should introduce you to solid grammar explanations and lots of listening and speaking practice. Rosetta Stone’s Portuguese course does provide speaking practice, but it falls down on the job when it comes to teaching grammar.

The immersive approach Rosetta Stone uses helps you memorize words and phrases. But the no-English structure does not help you understand the context or Portuguese grammar rules.

For this reason, Rosetta Stone works best for a total beginner who wants to learn a lot of vocabulary. For a serious language learner seeking a foundation in the language, a program like Pimsleur’s Portuguese app may offer a better solution.

Related Articles:

Rosetta Stone Portuguese Review: Decent Vocabulary Builder, But No Grammar Read More »

Story Learning Review Portuguese

StoryLearning Brazilian Portuguese Uncovered Review

StoryLearning Portuguese Uncovered

Rating 4.0

Summary

StoryLeaning Portuguese Uncovered comes from Olly Richards, the creator of the super popular polyglot blog. It’s quite a bit different than most courses as it revolves around a story. It can be a bit more challenging than other courses, as you begin reading somewhat long texts right off the bat. Overall, I found it to be a more fun way to approach language learning that will be great for some but not ideal for others.


Quality 4.0

The instruction is clear but can have too much information crammed into a single lesson.

Thoroughness 4.0

You’ll practice every aspect of the language.

Value 4.0

It has a pretty high price, but if you stick with it, you’ll get good value from it.

I Like
  • Immersive narrative structure
  • Professional tutors
  • Access to online student community
I Don’t Like
  • No option for European Portuguese content
  • No direct speaking software
Price

A one-time purchase costs $297. There’s also a 7-day free trial.

StoryLearning’s Brazilian Uncovered course promises to boost your fluency to a CEFR A2 level, giving you a basic comprehension of Portuguese. This engaging course uses a narrative structure to teach grammar, vocabulary, and other key language components. 

StoryLearning Brazilian Portuguese Uncovered Review Read More »

An Honest Review of Speechling With Image of Girl Looking at Phone

Speechling Review – I Didn’t Know I Was Saying That Wrong!

Speechling

Rating 4.3

Summary

Speechling is a website and app that makes it easy to improve your speaking skills in several languages. The free version is an incredbily valuable resource that makes it easy to practice mimicking native speakers. The Unlimited Plan provides unlimited corrections of your recordings by a teacher.


Quality 4.5

Speachling makes it easy to improve your speaking rhythm and pronunciation.

Thoroughness 4.5

Lots of different ways to practice speaking.

Value 4.0

The free version is better than most paid resources and the paid version provides outstanding value.

I Like
  • An excellent method to improve your speaking abilities and get feedback from a real teacher.
  • Answer the Question, Describe the Image, and Freestyle mode are great for higher levels.
  • You can switch languages at any time. I like seeing translations in my second language while studying my third language.
  • Truly unlimited recordings with quick feedback.
I Don’t Like
  • Absolute Beginners should learn the basics elsewhere first.
  • You’ll need to learn how to make the sounds of your target language on your own.
  • The amount of time given to record sentences can be too short.
Price

The Forever Free Plan is complete free. A monthly subscription to the Unlimited Plan costs $19.99 per month.

Click the link to save 10% on Speechling’s Unlimited Plan.

Speechling has quickly become one of my favorite language learning resources. The free version includes a ton of useful features and the premium plan is great value for the cost.

Speechling Review – I Didn’t Know I Was Saying That Wrong! Read More »

Bilingual Oxford Dictionaries Mini Review: Handy Apps

Oxford Dictionaries

Rating 4.2
Price:

Free

Summary

Oxford Dictionary has published numerous bilingual dictionaries over the years, many of which are not designed to be comprehensive. While some are “complete” dictionaries, others are called “mini”, “concise”, “essential” or even “shorter”. Even the smaller ones are pretty thorough, however. The Oxford Mini Greek dictionary contains 40,000 words and phrases, many of which also contain multiple translations. It’s a lot shorter than the Oxford Hindi dictionary, at 100,000 entries, or the New Oxford American English Dictionary at 350,000 – but it’s still got a wider vocabulary than the average English speaker. You can purchase the books themselves, but most learners will prefer the convenience of the apps with their regular updates and learner-friendly features. Search Autocomplete, Fuzzy Filter, Wild Card and Voice Search help you find words you don’t know how to spell. Favourites help you save useful words and phrases, while Word of the Day will introduce you to new words. Some dictionaries also contain audio recordings and thesauruses. And the freemium Oxford Dictionary with Translator will translate words and paragraphs to and from 14 languages. For some languages, learners already have plenty of free, thorough dictionaries available to them. Spanish learners, for example, will probably prefer to combine the free apps SpanishDict and Diccionario RAE (Google Play, App Store). Mandarin Chinese learners will likely find Pleco more useful. But for some languages, these dictionaries may well be the most thorough and reliable ones available.

The rating is our best guess, but we haven’t yet had the opportunity to fully test and review this resource.

 

Bilingual Oxford Dictionaries Mini Review: Handy Apps Read More »

Mondly Review – Made Significant Improvements Made in 2022

Mondly

Rating 2.7

Summary

Mondly is a language-learning app that teaches basic vocabulary and grammar structures. It seems most appropriate for learners with little to no exposure to their target language.

The activities mostly rely on passive recognition of vocabulary and phrases, and therefore are not very challenging. However, they are varied enough that you probably wouldn’t get bored with short, daily practice sessions.

Although I wouldn’t recommend Mondly to anyone looking to seriously learn a language, it may be appropriate for individuals studying languages with less available resources, or for individuals who are preparing to travel abroad.


Quality 3.0

Both the interface and the course itself could be designed better. *Edited on Nov 22* It has made many improvements this year. We will update soon.

Thoroughness 2.5

It’s decent for learning vocabulary, but I thought a lot of the material wasn’t explained very well.

Value 3.0

It’s fairly inexpensive.

I Like
  • Daily lessons, weekly quizzes, and monthly challenges – these functionalities encourage you to practice every day.
  • The vocabulary included is useful and drilled in an effective way.
  • It’s fairly inexpensive.
I Don’t Like
  • The content and exercises are the same for all levels and languages.
  • The exercises are mostly passive.
  • I don’t think the order of lessons and topics is very well thought out.
  • For me, the interface is not user friendly and the platform is visually unappealing.
Price

There are three plans… $9.99 per month for one language $47.99 per year ($4/mo) for one language and $99.99 for lifetime.

Mondly Review – Made Significant Improvements Made in 2022 Read More »